Seattle Window Shutters

In Seattle, shutters are a useful addition to your window for several different reasons. Whether you need additional home security, better energy efficiency, sunlight filtration, or simply want to enhance your interior decorating or exterior curb appeal, you can find it in window shutters. Seattle homeowners are not the only people in the nation that can reap benefits from this formidable window covering, but in certain respects, opting for shutters in the Pacific Northwest actually makes more sense than it might in other areas.

Seattle Shutter Installation for Exteriors
Traditionally, exterior window shutters were functional installations that protected homes from the elements and helped control the temperature indoors. Today, these functions are typically served by higher-quality windows and interior window coverings. A bare exterior window, however, is a missed opportunity to enhance your home's curb appeal, and most modern homes still have some form of exterior window dressing. In Seattle, window shutters made of vinyl are typically a better choice than wooden models as they are unaffected by the high moisture content of the Puget-sound area and will require less maintenance because of this fact.

While it's not the Gulf Coast, a few of the winters in recent memory have produced some pretty powerful winds in and around Seattle. Exterior window shutters were originally designed to protect windows from storm winds, and if you opt for models that are meant for operation (rather than the ever-common non-functioning exterior shutters that are just there for looks), they can protect your windows from weather of all kinds and even enhance your home security if they are fitted with locks.

Interior Window Shutters in Seattle, WA
Interior shutters are not perfect for every situation. One of the most commonly cited drawbacks associated with these fixtures is that unlike properly installed shades or curtains, shutters do not completely block out all sunlight when they are closed. However, if you live in Seattle, shutters that let in a little bit of sunshine when the weather's good will probably be a welcome addition!

When it comes to function, there is much to be said for interior window shutters. Seattle homeowners who have dealt with blind (both horizontal and vertical) are probably already aware of how the pull strings associated with blinds seem almost doomed to fail given a few years' time. Shutters, by contrast, are as reliable and durable as opening and closing a door. When compared to the often frilly nature of curtains and drapes, the no-nonsense elegance of interior shutters is a big selling point for many, and for window openings of unique shape, a set of custom shutters constructed to fit that shape exactly can be as stunning as they are functional.

Cost of Seattle Window Shutter Installation
The cost of installation will vary with the type, design, and material of the shutters you choose. Although they don't need to stand up to the elements, installing interior shutters in Seattle tends to be more expensive than installing exterior shutters with the averages at about $2,100 and $1,200 respectively. Seattle shutters designed specifically for security and storm safety use some of the most durable materials and high-end hardware; these models are, naturally the most expensive, averaging $2,900.

Seattle Window Shutter Contractors
There's more than one type of window shutter contractor. Exterior window shutters are generally installed by a carpenter, interior shutters by window covering professionals or handymen, and security or storm shutters are installed by home security contractors. As such, you can't simply grab the phone book and expect to hit upon the right contractor for the job. By using the ServiceMagic website and choosing a specific window shuttering task, you can find a reputable, local Seattle window shutter contractor each and every time. We put our contractors through a rigorous 10-step screening process to make sure you are getting an established company with a record of good service; we'll also provide you with online customer ratings and reviews so you can make a confident hiring decision for your windows as well as any other project you have around the house.

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